As 2025 marks the 1700th anniversary of the first Council of Nicaea, we want to look back at how God has used times of great uncertainty and confusion to strengthen his church and bring order and light to later generations.
It is so easy to think that we live in darker times than those who went before us. Imagine what it was like to exist in a church where there was no established doctrine of the Trinity, and where many taught that Jesus was a man who became God. Looking back, we see only the order that was established, but God was pleased for many of his saints to live their lives fighting against that darkness. The doctrine that came forth by the power of Christ's Spirit strengthened and further established the church, and the difficulty that the church endured caused her to grow in maturity.
It is easy to forget that the church is Christ's bride and that he is maturing her and strengthening her. And this should give us hope. We should not look at the darkness and confusion of the day that we live in with despair, but with great expectation. As James tells us: "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
Timecodes
00:00:00 Overview
00:08:32 Work of the Spirit
00:14:55 Progress in Church History
00:21:54 Timing of Battle
00:27:42 Arriving at Unity
00:42:28 Having the Debate
Production of Reformation Baptist Church of Youngsville, NC
Permanent Hosts - Dan Horn, Charles Churchill and Joshua Horn
Technical Director - Timothy Kaiser
Theme Music - Gabriel Hudelson